The Parve Baker

Ki Tavo

Blessed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl. – Deuteronomy 28:5

This blessing refers to the vessels associated with first fruits brought to Temple; respectively, willow baskets in which the poor brought their offerings of the seven species (Mishnah Bikkurim 3:8) and bowls in which women kneaded bread dough for the elevation offerings (Lev 23:15, 26:29). We, too, are holy vessels. Thus, we may understand the blessing as applying to everyone who tills and bakes l’shem shamayim (for the sake of Heaven) or supports and encourages those who do.